The chapter in the book on the economic structure of drug gangs was one of the funniest things I have read recently, in particular, the correct answers to the survey, as provided by the gang members. One statement that has gone uncommented-on is that the members of the gang consider working as a janitor at the University of Chicago an example of a good job, and that the members of the gang would gladly give up dealing drugs if they could get such a job. (I don’t have the book with me to provide an exact quote.) That statement, if true (and I have no reason to doubt it) is an appalling comment on the economic divide in this country.

If I had my druthers, if the New York Times Magazine were going to have a piece on “drugs,” it would focus on something relevant to the “war on drugs” in 2005 such as:

a. the growing tension between states that legalize medical marijuana and the Federal government that says this is not kosher

b. the growing problem of addiction to unprescribed prescription drugs like Oxycontin

or maybe even

c. a comprehensive look at all of the perverse incentives and incoherent assumptions in Uncle Sam’s portfolio of drug-related legislation.

Example: Cigarettes are not regulated by the FDA. The nicotine patch is available by prescription only. Uncle Sam acts as if the answer to the question “Is nicotine a drug?” depends on the delivery system. The guy is BONKERS.

Does it surprise me that the stevies choose to focus on a non-issue like crack cocaine?

No.

Does it surprise me that The New York Times, especially the Sunday Times would publish pointless drivel?

No. The Sunday New York Times is 37.5% corporogovernmental propaganda (Front section, Week in Review, Business) and 62.5% highbrow entertainment (Styles, Magazine, Book Review, Arts, Travel).

Goddess forbid the Sunday Magazine published a story about something controversial or relevant about drugs (legalization of marijuana, horrendous externalities associated with methamphetamine use, escalating health care costs due to overprescription of expensive pharmaceuticals, etc).

The stevies are a perfect fit for the weapon of mass distraction (as syndicated columnist Norman Solomon puts it) formerly known as the New York Times.

Anon. 4:22 p.m. said [blah blah blah]. The great thing about having someone as idiotic as Deb Frisch (a.k.a. Anon. 4:22) on your website is that the minute you read a piece of anon. drivel full of illogic and contradiction and whining, you know right away who wrote it. Thanks!

Is it really so hard to get anyone to care about your blog that you need to beg for readers amongst a community you antagonize? Say what you will about the Steves (and we know you will…) at least they have readers who enjoy and respect them…

Here’s a question for your next book- Why do fat women invest so much money in getting their nails done rather than investing in diet foods or a gym membership? Look closely next time you see an overweight woman and it almost a certainty that she will have very nice, professionally manicured nails. Very confusing to me.